Asia's second-largest economy launches emergency cybersecurity package after wave of attacks - VnExpress International

Japan, Asia's second-largest economy by nominal GDP, has committed to addressing the escalating cybersecurity threats with substantial financial resources. The country's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has vowed to take action after dozens of businesses reported unauthorized access to their systems and potential leaks of client data in recent weeks.

Emergency Countermeasures

The government has introduced an 'emergency countermeasures package' initially funded by 10 billion yen (US$63 million) from the existing budget. The overall cost is expected to be higher, with Takaichi instructing her finance minister to identify additional funding sources for the comprehensive plan.

AI Security Measures

The package includes security countermeasures utilizing AI technology, strengthening investigation systems, and reinforcing support for victims. Media reports indicate the creation of a 'cyber rescue team' composed of government and private sector experts, with a secretariat to be established within the current fiscal year to coordinate deployment during acute situations.

Takaichi emphasized the need to mobilize government capabilities to strengthen the nation's response capabilities, noting that unauthorized access and information leaks continue to impact citizens and corporate activities.

Recent Attack Patterns

The Chinese artificial intelligence cybersecurity tool Artex has been implicated in several recent hacks of Japanese companies, according to an information security arm of Japanese IT firm GMO Internet Group Inc. Notably, GMO Internet Group itself has been among those targeted in these attacks.